Womens State League Round 22 Preview
In the last round of the regular season the top five are jostling for the best positions for the finals series. UNSW will look to make a late surge into second spot with three games in five days, while Sydney Olympic and Southern Districts Emeralds will play at Belmore, with both sides be looking to finish in the top two.
Bankstown City v Mt Druitt Town Rangers. Jensen Park, 3pm.
After an important win last week against Southern Districts, Bankstown will be looking to continue that form in their last hit out before the finals series. Whatever the situation, the women from Bankstown do have their place in the top five guaranteed, however finishing the regular season on a high in front of their home fans at Jensen Park will be a top priority. On the other hand, Mt Druitt will be out to spoil the party.
Parramatta Ladyhawks v Gladesville Ravens. Melita Stadium, 3pm.
Theoretically, if Parramatta Ladyhawks win this game and UNSW lose their final three matches, they will be elevated into the top five. However, with this looking extremely unlikely, the Ladyhawks will want to finish their season with a win, as will Gladesville Ravens. The Ladyhawks have played some of the best football this season, but inconsistency, especially away from home, hasn’t helped their campaign.
Sydney Olympic v Southern Districts Emeralds. Peter Moore Field, 3pm.
A crunch match, Sydney Olympic and Southern Districts will be jostling for the best finals spot and a mental edge before the finals series begins. Perhaps the two toughest sides in the Women’s State League, this Sunday’s fixture promises to be a bruising encounter. With Sydney Olympic having lost much of their firepower up front, Southern Districts might be slight favourites away from home.
Western NSW Mariners v UNSW Lions. Proctor Park, 3pm.
UNSW have three games in five days, and if they can secure all nine points they will rocket up to equal top spot on the ladder. However, a superior goal difference means that even if Western NSW do drop points in the final match, they have the minor premiership secured. However, with both teams hot favourites to take out the championship, securing a mental edge will be crucial.
Southern Branch v Nepean FC. South Nowra Football Complex, 3pm.
A dead rubber, Nepean travel to Nowra after a busy week of football. Still yet to win this season, a final round victory will be a nice way to finish a difficult campaign. Southern Branch will be hoping to do the same after a frustrating season where the potential was obvious, but the results simply didn’t go their way, especially away from home.
St George Saints v APIA Leichhardt. St George Stadium, 3pm.
A slow start to the season didn’t help APIA Leichhardt chances, but two wins in their final two games will help the inner-west side finish their 2013 campaign with a smile on their faces. Back in June APIA drew 1-1 with Saints at Lambert Park, but in their final match they’ll be favourites for a win.
-By Joe Gorman
